Gaelic Language Plan 2026-2031

I am delighted to introduce the Gaelic Language Plan 2026-31, which sets out our aims, ambition, and commitment to promoting and supporting the use of the Gaelic language in East Dunbartonshire.

We recognise the importance of Gaelic as a vital part of Scotland’s cultural heritage and as an official language of Scotland.

East Dunbartonshire Council continues to acknowledge the significance of the Gaelic language, culture, and education recognising their invaluable contribution to both local and national cultural heritage. Our unwavering commitment lies in aligning with the National Gaelic Language Plan and fulfilling our obligations mandated by the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and Scottish Languages Act 2025, all of which are essential for securing a sustainable future for Gaelic in Scotland.

Building upon the achievement of the prior Gaelic Language Plans spanning 2013-18 and 2018-23, this edition of East Dunbartonshire Gaelic Language Plan provides a comprehensive blueprint detailing our concerted efforts to enhance Gaelic learning and promote the use of the Gaelic language within East Dunbartonshire. In crafting this plan, we have engaged in close collaboration with colleagues from various Council Services, collaborated with Bòrd na Gàidhlig (the primary public entity responsible for advancing Gaelic development in Scotland) and involvement of key stakeholders.

We believe that the Gaelic language has an important role to play in promoting diversity and inclusion, and we are committed to working with Gaelic-speaking communities and individuals to help support the language and its continued use.

We acknowledge that there are challenges to be addressed in promoting the Gaelic language including the need for more resources and support for Gaelic language education and the need to increase the number of Gaelic speakers. However, we are committed to working collaboratively with other public bodies and stakeholders to overcome these challenges and ensure that the Gaelic language continues to thrive in East Dunbartonshire.

The insights derived from the 2022 Census serve as a pivotal foundation for our comprehension of Gaelic in East Dunbartonshire. These insights will guide us as we strive to realise our Strategic Priorities and Corporate Service aims. This endeavour stands as a fundamental element in our ongoing commitment to safeguard the status of Gaelic and its integral role in the community.

We hope that our third edition Gaelic Language Plan will encourage other organisations to take active steps to support the Gaelic language and its speakers. We look forward to working with our communities, stakeholders, partners, and staff to implement our plan and help support the Gaelic language and its vibrant culture.

East Dunbartonshire Council is in the west central lowlands of Scotland. It is located to the north of the river Clyde and to the east of the City of Glasgow. The council covers an area of approximately 67 square miles and has a population of around 109,000 people. The main towns in East Dunbartonshire including Bearsden, Milngavie, Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch. The area is known for our beautiful scenery with hills, woodlands and countryside surrounding our towns and villages. We are also known for our historic landmarks including the Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Since forming in 1996, East Dunbartonshire Ccouncil has been recognised as a progressive, and efficient council,. Committed to serving the needs of its residents and workers. The council currently employs around 5,281 individuals who provide a diverse range of services across the area. The council’s headquarters are located at the Marina, Kirkintilloch .

At our Council Budget Meeting 2025 we agreed our General Revenue Budget for 2026-27 and revised capital Programme. We will spend £395,641 million on delivering essential local services and important investment in the area. Community engagement and participation is absolutely at the heart of the decisions we are making.

One of 32 Scottish Councils East Dunbartonshire is split into multi-member wards, with three or four councillors to represent the interests of their local community in the council. The seven multi-member wards are Ward 1 – Milngavie, Ward 2 - Bearsden North, Ward 3 - Bearsden South, Ward 4 - Bishopbriggs North and Campsie, Ward 5 - Bishopbriggs South, Ward 6 - Lenzie and Kirkintilloch South, Ward 7 - Kirkintilloch East and North and Twechar. The 2022 Local Council elections resulted in a minority, which is led by the Scottish National Party.

According to the 2022 Census, 0.7% of the population aged 3 and over in East Dunbartonshire were able to speak, read and write Gaelic, compared to 0.5% in the 2011 Census.  Further information is shown in the table below.  

Those with Gaelic language abilities reside across the communities in East Dunbartonshire, however, there are slightly higher concentrations in Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch and Milngavie, as shown in the table below.

According to the 2022 Census, approximately 130,161 people (2.5%) aged 3 and over in Scotland could understand, speak, read or write Gaelic. Among these individuals:

• 43,807 people could speak, read and write Gaelic
• 18,264 people could speak Gaelic but not read or write it
• 7,630 people could speak and read Gaelic but not write it
• 10,788 could read Gaelic but not speak or write it.

There was an increase in the number of people (aged 3 and over) in Scotland that could speak, read and write Gaelic from 32,191 in the 2011 Census to 43,807 in the 2022 Census.

• The number of people (aged 3 and over) in Scotland who were able to understand Gaelic but not speak, read or write Gaelic increased from 23,357 in 2011 Census to 46,404 in the 2022 Census
• The number of people (aged 3 and over) who could speak Gaelic but not read or write it in Scotland declined by 3.7%.

The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, ratified by the Scottish Parliament, was enacted with the intent of establishing Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland, affording it equal recognition alongside the English language. The Scottish Languages Act 2025 substantially amended the 2005 Act, conferring official status on Gaelic and establishing a new statutory framework for relevant public authorities in Scotland.

A prominent aspect of the 2005 Act is its provision empowering Bòrd na Gàidhlig to mandate public authorities to formulate a Gaelic Language Plan.This provision was designed to ensure that the Scottish public sector actively contribute to building a sustainable future for Gaelic.It achieves this by elevating the language’s status and visibility while also creating practical avenues for its utilisation.

The document at hand represents East Dunbartonshire Council’s third edition Gaelic Language Plan, meticulously crafted within the framework of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.It delineates our approach to incorporating Gaelic into our operational functions, facilitating the use of Gaelic when engaging with the public and key partners, and fostering the promotion and development of the Gaelic language.

This Gaelic language plan has been developed in adherence to the statutory criteria in the 2005 and 2025 Acts.Additionally, it has been developed with due considerations to the National Gaelic Language Plan and the Guidance on the Development of Gaelic Language Plans.

East Dunbartonshire Council stands firmly behind the objective set forth in the National Gaelic Language Plan, which seeks to promote the more extensive use of Gaelic, involving a broader spectrum of individuals, and across various contexts. Our commitment to realising this objective is demonstrated through our dedicated efforts, aligning with the overarching goals of the National Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2028:

• Increasing the use of Gaelic within our organisation and encouraging more people to use Gaelic, more often when they interact with us
• Increasing the opportunity for people to learn Gaelic as part of our day-to-day operations
• Promoting a positive image of Gaelic whenever we can as part of our day-to-day operations as an organisation.

East Dunbartonshire Council is set to undertake an internal language capacity assessment of its workforce, as an integral component of the preparations for this Gaelic Language Plan. This language capacity audit will be carried out in strict accordance with our statutory obligations as mandated by the 2005 Act and the accompanying guidance. The primary objectives of this audit are twofold:

• To enhance our comprehension of the Gaelic language proficiencies among our staff members within East Dunbartonshire Council
• To ascertain the extent of interest and demand for Gaelic language training opportunities within our staff cohort.

In accordance with the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and Scottish Languages Act 2025, public authorities are mandated to seek input on their draft Gaelic Language Plan before its submission to Bòrd na Gàidhlig. The pre-consultation period was carried out with stakeholders and findings informed the consultation methods to consult on our Draft Gaelic Language Plan 2024-29.

In accordance with our commitment to the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 we embarked on consultation and engagement for our draft Gaelic Language plan 2023-2028, The consultation took place between 6 November 2023 until 17 December 2023. We received 253 online survey responses. In addition, 68 individuals participated in our four focus group sessions, including community, third sector and organisations representing equality groups. Local schools were involved as were youth clubs and neuro diverse groups. Participants included people from ethnic minority groups as well as support groups for mental health and wellbeing.
We have meticulously reviewed all received responses. We did not consider that the public consultation suggested any requirement for a fundamental change to the proposed plan. The existing plan is sufficiently flexible to consider many of the points raised by respondents.

Under the provisions of the 2005 and 2025 Acts, Bòrd na Gàidhlig actively works towards establishing the Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland, hoping equal stature with the English language. Consequently, Bòrd na Gàidhlig anticipates that public authorities will demonstrate with their plans how this principle will be effectively implemented and sustained in practice.

East Dunbartonshire Council is committed to guaranteeing that any Gaelic components integrated into our operations and services are held to the same standards of quality and excellence as those provided in English.

East Dunbartonshire Council will proactively extend an offer of our Gaelic services to our employees and the public. This proactive approach ensures that Gaelic service availability is clearly communicated to Gaelic users, actively encouraging their utilisation. This approach will support confidence among Gaelic users, assuring them that their preference will be accommodated.

The primary objective of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 is to foster the sustainability and growth of the Gaelic language and its associated culture. East Dunbartonshire Council will endeavour to normalise opportunities for the public and our staff to use Gaelic, aligning with the objectives outlined in the National Gaelic Language Plan.

• Strategic Priority: Work with partners and businesses to increase both the use and awareness of the Gaelic language throughout East Dunbartonshire
• Desired Outcome: Encourage more people to use Gaelic in East Dunbartonshire by supporting communities to host Gaelic events. Make more people know about Gaelic in East Dunbartonshire by using signs in two languages in places like buildings and the boundary sign coat of arms
• Current Practice: Right now, in East Dunbartonshire, we’re helping people know about Gaelic by using signs in two languages. Gaelic events and opportunities are promoted through East Dunbartonshire Council and East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust.

• Strategic Priority: Ensure that the plan implementation is led with representation from all key service areas within the Council
• Desired Outcome: The Equalities Action Planning Forum will agree terms of reference and meet quarterly and monitor progress made, with summary reports compiled to form an annual report for each year of the Plan
• Current Practice: The operational officer’s forum meets in-frequently.

• Strategic Priority: Undertake the duty under the Education (Scotland) Act 2016 to promote & support Gaelic Education; ensuring the retention of pupils at key transitional phases, promoting an increase in numbers enrolling in GME and ensuring annual improvement plans are in place to provide standards and quality reporting
• Desired Outcome: Continue to promote increased numbers enrolled in Gaelic Medium Education (GME) and retention at transitional phases throughout 3-18 GME delivery
• Current Practice: Parents are aware of Gaelic Medium Education (GME) during the early years and P1 registration process. Our 3-18 delivery ensures that EDC pupils are enrolled in Bishopbriggs Academy to continue in GME. Meadowburn Primary School and Bishopbriggs Academy report on impact through the school's Standards and Qualities report and set specific goals for Gaelic their yearly improvement plans.

• Strategic Priority: As the Gaelic Medium primary school roll increases, consult on how to further enhance the immersion experience for pupils
• Desired Outcome: Pupils have improved language skills and deeper engagement with the Gaelic language, beyond the curriculum
• Current Practice: Ongoing work with the Gaelic school community and Comunn nam Parant, as well as close working between Sgoil Araich, Meadowburn Gaelic unit and Bishopbriggs Academy. Stakeholder consultation takes place throughout each school session, with data collected analysed and acted upon to inform next steps.

• Strategic Priority: Expand the Gaelic Medium Curriculum offer at Secondary level each session
• Desired Outcome: Provide a more immersive experience to GME pupils and increase the number of Gaelic Medium attainment opportunities available at pupils at secondary level
• Current Practice: Pupils continue in GME through delivery of Gàidhlig curriculum. Senior phase pupils can choose to continue with Gàidhlig at national qualification level at each stage, as BA delivers N4-Advanced Higher Gàidhlig qualification.

• Strategic Priority: Building upon current progress, promote Gaelic as an L3 (Second Modern Language) to all primary schools with the aim of growing the number of schools offering Gaelic as an L3 (Second Modern Language)
• Desired Outcome: A broader and more widespread adoption of Gaelic language learning among children and young people, contributing to preserving and revitalising the Gaelic language
• Current Practice: L3 in the Primary Sector. The use of a planned interdisciplinary approach and aspects of citizenship and international education is one way of introducing the L3 language. Increasing use of planned interdisciplinary learning (one of the four contexts for learning within CfE) facilitates learning about aspects of other countries across the curriculum. In our primary schools for example, projects about other countries can involve aspects of language, geography, history, environmental studies and the expressive arts, together with health and wellbeing. The other country can become a focus for learning across the school.

1. Logo and Brand

• Desired Outcome: East Dunbartonshire Council logo and branding into both Gaelic and English
• Current Practice: The East Dunbartonshire Council logo is bilingual
• Actions Required: We will progress opportunities to render Civic Crest in both Gaelic and English
• Target Date: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27), Deliver Q 1,2 (2027-28).

2. Signage

• Desired Outcome: Signage will include Gaelic and English as part of any renewal process
• Current Practice: The East Dunbartonshire Council Civic Crest which contains Gaelic appears on some signage
• Actions Required: We will partner with the Gaelic community to review, when appropriate, whether bilingual signage in key venues and on road signs should be replaced. We will identify locations where signs, complying with TSRGD (Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions) with two languages could be introduced. We’ll also replace old signs when they need to be changed, in compliance with TSRGD.
• Target Date: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver
  Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of the lifetime of plan.
  

1. Promotion

• Desired Outcome: Positive messages that communication from the public in Gaelic is always welcome and regularly repeated
• Current Practice: There is a webpage on East Dunbartonshire Council’s website for the Gaelic Language Plan 2020-23 and additional webpages for Gaelic Medium Education. Neither state we welcome communication from the public in Gaelic
• Actions Required: We will welcome and promote acceptance of communication in Gaelic and will endeavour to provide replies in Gaelic. We will look to distribute Gaelic related news releases in both Gaelic and English in consultation with the Gaelic and wider Community. We will frequently (minimum of four posts per year) circulate Gaelic content through social media
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan, Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of the plan, Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.

2. Written Communication

• Desired Outcome: Written communication in Gaelic is always accepted (post, email and social media), and replies provided in Gaelic in accordance with the general policy
• Current Practice: It does not state on East Dunbartonshire Council’ s website that written communication in Gaelic is always accepted. There are no training modules for staff in relation to responding to Gaelic correspondence
• Actions Required: We will review current information on our website, as part of our refreshed website. We will put in place sustainable solutions and processes across the Council to respond to Gaelic communications received
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan & Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

3. Reception and phone

• Desired Outcome: Where Gaelic speaking staff can provide this service, they are supported to do so
• Current Practice: There is currently no Gaelic speaking staff to provide reception and phone services in East Dunbartonshire Council, except within Gaelic Medium provision
• Actions Required: We will explore the suitability and sustainability of reviewing this corporate service aim
• Target Dates: Identify baseline of request, plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

4. Public Meetings

• Desired Outcome: Opportunities to hold public meetings bilingually or in Gaelic are regularly explored and promoted
• Current Practice: East Dunbartonshire Council has not had the opportunity to host a public meeting bilingually
• Actions Required: We will review opportunities for developing the aim of hosting meetings bilingually or in Gaelic. We will develop the sustainability of embedding opportunities in the monitoring of the Gaelic Language Plan 2026-31. We will host events with New Scots incorporating the Gaelic language
• Target Dates: Identify baseline of request, plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

1. News Releases

• Desired Outcome: Press releases and all news releases related to Gaelic are available in both Gaelic and English
• Current Practice: All news releases are currently released only in English. News releases relevant to Gaelic are published predominantly in English. News releases would be available in Gaelic on request
• Actions Required: We will undertake a review of this corporate service aim with a view to publishing relevant news releases bilingually. We will, in collaboration with the community produce Gaelic media and circulate related news releases
• Target Dates: Identify baseline of request, plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.

2. Social Media

• Desired Outcome: Gaelic content distributed regularly through social media
• Current Practice: We do not provide social media posts across Council social media platforms
• Actions Required: Where appropriate, we will ensure that relevant social media content is bilingual
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

3. Website

• Desired Outcome: Gaelic content should be available on the public authority’s website expanding potential reach
• Current Practice: We currently have our Gaelic Language Plan 2020-23 available on our website in Gaelic
• Actions Required: We will review and establish a sustainable approach to delivering an increase in Gaelic content. Agree process between education and comms/services to get information translated
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

4. Corporate Publications

• Desired Outcome: Produced in Gaelic and English, with priority given to those with the highest potential reach and impact
• Current Practice: The Gaelic Language plan (2020-23) has been published bilingually.  All other corporate documents are available on request
• Actions Required: We will review this approach across the Council and identify appropriate potential corporate publications
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

5. Language

• Desired Outcome: A process is in place to ensure that the quality and accessibility of Gaelic language in all corporate information is high
• Current Practice: Translation and interpretation for corporate information and documents is currently conducted by a qualified external third party, that adheres to SQA Orthographic Conventions
• Actions Required: We will review current provision and explore opportunity across the Council to identify options for translation and build local community resilience
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

6. Exhibitions

• Desired Outcome: Opportunities to deliver public exhibitions bilingually or in Gaelic should be explored on a regular basis, with priority given to those with highest potential impact
• Current Practice: East Dunbartonshire Council understand the central role played by arts and heritage in sustaining and growing engagement and increase use of Gaelic across Scotland
• Actions Required: We will review current provision and explore opportunity for translation to build local community participation and resilience
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver
  Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

7. Internal Audit

• Desired Outcome: Conduct an internal audit of Gaelic skills and training needs through the life of teach edition of the plan
• Current Practice: East Dunbartonshire Council conducted an internal Gaelic capacity suit for the previous Gaelic Language Plan (2020-23). We will conduct an internal language capacity audit for this interaction of the Gaelic Language Plan
  
• Actions Required: We will conduct an internal language capacity audit following approval of this iteration of the Gaelic Language Plan 
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

8. Induction

• Desired Outcome: Knowledge of the public authority’s Gaelic language plan and training opportunities are embedded in new staff induction
• Current Practice: Our Gaelic Language Plan (2026-31) will be accessible on our hub
  
• Actions Required: We will review current provision and explore suitability and sustainability across the Council induction and learning opportunities
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

9. Language Training

• Desired Outcome: Gaelic language skills training and development delivered to staff particularly in relation to implementing the public authority’ s Gaelic Language Plan
• Current Practice: East Dunbartonshire Council as part of the offer provided by people development support CPD to staff who require Gaelic as an essential as part of their roles
  
• Actions Required: We will review the findings of the internal language capacity audit. We will develop baseline, and explore suitability and sustainability across the Council people development platforms
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

10. Using Gaelic

• Desired Outcome: Staff are encouraged to use Gaelic in their work
• Current Practice: East Dunbartonshire Council staff are encouraged where relevant and appropriate to use Gaelic in their work
  
• Actions Required: We will continue to encourage staff where relevant and appropriate to use Gaelic in their work
• Target Dates: Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

11. Recruitment

• Desired Outcome: Gaelic language skills are recognised and respected within the recruitment process throughout the public authority. Gaelic named as an essential and/or desirable in job descriptions in order to deliver the Gaelic Language Plan and n accordance with the Bord na Gaidhlig recruitment advice. Bilingual or Gaelic only job adverts for all posts where Gaelic is an essential skill
• Current Practice: Where there is a requirement for the Gaelic language to form part of the job role and specification, this is done in accordance with Bòrd na Gàidhlig recruitment advice. No routine adverts have the Gaelic language as a skills requirement
  
• Actions Required: We will continue to comply with Bòrd na Gàidhlig recruitment advice as appropriate. Where there is a specific Gaelic speaking requirements or a post, a suitable Gaelic speaking representative will be included in the interview process
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

1. Gaelic Orthographic Conventions

• Desired Outcome: The most recent Gaelic Orthographic Conventions will be followed in relation to all written materials produced by the authority
• Current Practice: East Dunbartonshire Council written materials are translated by a qualified third-party or East Dunbartonshire Council employee that adheres to SQA Orthographic Conventions
  
• Actions Required: We will review current provision and explore suitability and sustainability of engaging East Dunbartonshire Council staff. We will review current interpretation and translation guidance issued, to ensure that translation and interpretation of all requested and relevant written materials comply with Gaelic Orthographic Conventions
• Target Dates: Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.
  

2. Placenames

• Desired Outcome: Gaelic place name and advice from Ainmean-Aite na h-Alba is sought and used
• Current Practice: East Dunbartonshire Council seeks advise from Ainmean-Aite na h-Alba as required
  
• Actions Required: We will continue to seek advice from Ainmean-Aite na H-alba as required
• Target Dates: Plan Q3, 4 (2026-27) and deliver
  Q1,2 (2027-28) and subsequent years of Plan.